Drag settings.

[spence]

I think the question here is about the net force on the drag. Certainly the flex on the rod will absorb force, but are the drag settings from the manufacturer assuming fishing conditions or just a raw measurement?

-spence

[Redsoxticket]

I don't know Spence but I'd assume raw measurement because every rod is different slow, fast etc.

[t.orlando]

Friend was holding scale 6-8ft below where I was standing, so rod had full bend. Tried a 7lb drag too, your just asking for pulled hooked hooks and equipment failure there imo. But to each their own I guess.

[Redsoxticket]

Tony the 7 pd taken at the reel ? If yes then what is the measurement if you tied a loop in the line at the 6-8 ft distance and recorded the pounds of force when the line moves.
If the 7 pds. is to much weight for the equipment then what is it at 5 pds ?

I'm thinking that 7 pds. at the reel can be 12 pds I guess at the loop.

[NIB]

I remember doing that 5 yrs ago with Slip..We set our drags to the scale.
Maybe 8-10 lbs for the canal..With jigs I might use a tighter drag..
Evrything else..I fish a light drag...

[Chris in Mass]

4-5 lbs. taken at the reel for 20 lb mono. I do it every time before I go out - it's turned into a superstitious thing now. At a 4-5 lb setting, it takes like 10lbs+ on a VS250 to get the spool moving before it settles in if I remember correctly.

Taken from the fighting position (pain in the ass), a setting at the reel turns into a higher reading end of the line. I have measured 30 to 40% of the line rating. The type of rod and how you're holding it comes into play though. I find it's tough to get a consistent "running drag" reading this way. It's a two person job. Haven't done this in a long time.

[Slipknot]

Originally Posted by NIB

I remember doing that 5 yrs ago with Slip..We set our drags to the scale.
Maybe 8-10 lbs for the canal..With jigs I might use a tighter drag..
Evrything else..I fish a light drag...

Yep, once we set it with the rod bent with a scale, I then could tell from a pull that I was within a pound or so of 10 lbs.
10 lbs. is what I like jigging the canal with 65 lb whiplash and 50 lb leader, I want to be able to stop a cow on the bottom fairly quickly so they don't wrap me up or get behind a rock and sulk. At that setting it takes atleast a 20-25 pounder to get even a foot of line. I don't want them to get their head and go with the current which is usually going pretty good. For plugging in the canal I use about 5 pounds.

On the beach I use less and adjust as needed.

Seal fishing requires more drag and stiffer rod

[luds]

I have no idea what I set mine at in terms of #'s. I just know whatever it is it's too tight. For some reason I just find myself always setting it that way. I need to get out of that habit this season. I also usually set my drag a little loser when using plugs w/ trebles. I've lost alot of fish too braid and a drag that's too tight.

[t.orlando]

Originally Posted by Redsoxticket

Tony the 7 pd taken at the reel ? If yes then what is the measurement if you tied a loop in the line at the 6-8 ft distance and recorded the pounds of force when the line moves.
If the 7 pds. is to much weight for the equipment then what is it at 5 pds ?

I'm thinking that 7 pds. at the reel can be 12 pds I guess at the loop.

Everything was taken on loop of line with fully bent rod, no test straight off the reel. I use the same drag with my 30# braid, and 65# braid, 50# leaders, everywhere(even the canal)

[Back Beach]

Originally Posted by t.orlando

Everything was taken on loop of line with fully bent rod, no test straight off the reel. I use the same drag with my 30# braid, and 65# braid, 50# leaders, everywhere(even the canal)

Copycat

[keeperreaper]

Remember that the more line out the more the drag will increase. On tuna gear 22 lbs after a vicous run is more like 30-32 will all the line out there. Personally I do the hand pull to check the drag. I can tell you that 8 pounds is more than sufficient to stop most bass after the first run.